Gwangju Biennale: Burning Down the House 2014 Runs in Gwangju, Korea 5 Sept – 9 Nov. 2014

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Marking its tenth year in 2014 the Gwangju Biennale 2014 kicks off in Gwangju, Korea on 5th September and runs through to 9th November, 2014.

The 10th Gwangju Biennale will bring together 105 artists from more than 39 countries and will include 35 new commissions each selected for their relevance to the theme of the Biennale, ‘Burning Down the House’. The five Halls of the Biennale will be treated as related but thematically differentiated exhibitions, each exploring a different aspect of the title of the Biennale.

The 10th Gwangju Biennale ‘Burning Down the House’ explores the process of burning and transformation, a cycle of obliteration and renewal witnessed throughout history. Evident in aesthetics, historical events and an increasingly rapid course of redundancy and renewal in commercial culture, the Biennale reflects on this process of, often violent events of destruction or self-destruction – burning the home one occupies- followed by the promise of the new and hope for change.

The exhibition is curated by Jessica Morgan, Artistic Director of the Gwangju Biennale and the Daskalopoulos Curator, International Art, Tate Modern in London.

Famous Australian sculptor Ken Unsworth is the only Australian to feature his artwork at the Gwangju Biennale this year. Unsworth, who made the spectacular artwork ‘Suspended Stone Circle II’ displayed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales last year is one of Australia’s most prominent sculptors. His work ‘Suspended Stone Circle II’ was made of river stones which were hung in a grouping that hover just above the floor.

Internationally famous French electronic musician Joakim joins the international list of artists participating in the Biennale. He will contribute three cover versions of the Talking Heads song ‘Burning Down the House’ which served as inspiration for this year’s Biennale.

Joakim’s covers will be introduced at three main focal points of this year’s milestone 10th edition. Visitors will hear the songs at the entrance and exit of the hosting Biennale Hall and on the third floor bridge that connects Galleries 2 and 3.

The Gwangju Biennale is open daily from 5th September to 9th November from 9-5.30pm. Adult single day admission to the Biennale is 14,000 Korean won (approx. A$14).

Adult exhibition pass costs 30,000 Korean won (approx A$30). Children & Seniors (over 65) day ticket costs 4,000 Korean won (approx A$4).

Full details about the Gwangju Biennale 2014 and information on all the artists exhibiting at the Gwangju Biennale 2014 can be seen at the official website: http://www.gwangjubiennale.org/eng/gb/

For Australians interested in art and travel there is no better chance to visit Korea and explore the Gwangju Biennale 2014. During the same period one of Korea’s largest festivals is held in Gwangju city as well – the Gwangju Kimchi Festival celebrates the iconic Korean fermented cabbage dish that is served at every meal in Korea. It will run this year in Gwangju city from the 4th to 8th October.

For more information on the Gwangju Kimchi Festival visit the website: http://kimchi.gwangju.go.kr/EN